Office of Applied Research and Innovation
Fleming College's Office of Applied Research and Innovation is your gateway to college applied research and development expertise. The department offers guidance and support to Fleming faculty who are interested in doing research. It also provides applied research and business development services to business, industry, and community organizations in fields related to our academic programs.
The Office of Applied Research and Innovation supports all applied research at Fleming, including at our three dedicated research centres:
- Centre for Applied Machine Intelligence and Integration Technologies (CAMIIT)
- Centre for Advancement of Water and Wastewater Technologies (CAWT)
- Centre for Innovative Aquaculture Production (CIAP)
Applied Research Strategic Plan 2024-2029
We have developed an evidence-based Applied Research Strategic Plan to chart the path forward for Fleming’s applied research enterprise. The Strategic Plan will inspire faculty, staff and students, mobilize community support and set the stage for our growth as a recognized leader in Canadian applied research. To view Fleming’s Applied Research Strategic Plan, please click here: Applied Research Strategic Plan.
Major Objectives
- Support local business, industry and institutions in their efforts to innovate, and improve their products and processes through applied research activities.
- Enhance student education and research skills through applied research opportunities.
- Utilize faculty expertise and promote the professional development of college faculty and employees through research opportunities.
Industry Partners
Connect with our research staff and facilities. We will assess your needs and collaborate with you to determine the best research route for you.
Faculty
If you are a Fleming faculty member interested in conducting research, the Office of Applied Research and Innovation is the single point of contact to help you get started.
Students
As a student enrolled at Fleming College, you have the opportunity to work with industry partners and expert staff as you gain real-world experience in your field of study.
In the News
Fleming College’s 2025 Applied Research Expo highlighted innovation and collaboration
Lindsay, ON (March 5, 2025)—The 2025 Applied Research Expo at Fleming College’s Frost Campus in Lindsay brought together students, faculty, researchers, industry leaders, and community members from across Canada for a day of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing.
With over 150 registrants, attendees explored cutting-edge research, connected with local innovators, and took part in dynamic discussions on the future of applied research.
The event included research updates from Fleming’s Office of Applied Research and Innovation (OARI), which highlighted key milestones, including $3.5 million in newly awarded research funding since April 2024. A panel discussion featuring industry leaders RJ Taylor (Cedar Crest Trout Farms), Michael Deloyer (Horizon Aircraft), and Eric Morris (AUG Signals), explored how collaboration drives innovation.
Faculty presented applied research projects, emphasizing student contributions and industry collaborations. Guided tours of Fleming’s Centre for Innovative Aquaculture Production (CIAP) and the Centre for Advancement of Water and Wastewater Technologies (CAWT) gave attendees a firsthand look at groundbreaking research in action. At the Centre for Applied Machine Intelligence and Integration Technologies (CAMIIT) exhibit, guests interacted with cutting-edge robotics, including a robotic arm and a robot dog, showcasing advancements in automation and AI. External innovative organizations and poster displays offered additional opportunities for guests to explore applied research and collaboration opportunities.
Frost Campus, known for its environmental programs, provided the ideal backdrop for showcasing the applied research taking place at Fleming, reinforcing the connection between innovation, sustainability, and hands-on learning.
The Applied Research Expo was a testament to Fleming’s commitment to driving meaningful research with real-world impact. By fostering collaboration between students, faculty, and industry partners, the event showcased how applied research transforms ideas into solutions. Thank you to all our presenters, industry partners, and attendees for making this year’s event a success.
About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 80,000 alumni.
For more information, please contact:
Juliette Arsenault
Research Outreach & Communications Coordinator—Office of Applied Research & Innovation
juliette.arsenault@flemingcollege.ca
Web: flemingcollege.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/flemingcollege
Twitter: @FlemingCollege
Instagram: @flemingcollege
TikTok: @flemingcollege
A Little Gratitude Goes a Long Way: Studying the Science of Gratefulness at Fleming College
What if something as simple as writing down three things you're grateful for each day could improve your mood, increase your motivation, and make daily life feel more meaningful?
Dr. Taryn Grieder set out to answer that very question.
A faculty member in Fleming College’s School of General Arts and Sciences, Dr. Grieder partnered with Kim Sargent, Director of Canadian Family Health Counselling, to explore the benefits of daily gratitude journaling—both in college students and health counselling clients.
Over four weeks, 67 participants completed a daily gratitude journaling exercise, writing down at least three specific things they were grateful for. It could be as small as a hot cup of coffee, a walk in the sunshine, or an unexpected kind word. Participants completed a Mental Health Quality of Life (MHQoL) questionnaire before and after the journaling period, measuring factors such as mood, optimism, relationships, and engagement in daily activities.
The results? Participants reported increased optimism, improved self-image, better emotional stability, and greater satisfaction with their daily activities. Many noticed a shift in how they experienced everyday moments—seeing more good, even during challenging times.
One participant shared, “This was life-changing! I now find myself looking for and noticing the good things to add to my journal… Instead of having a negative outlook, it’s changed to positive and optimistic.”
As the project demonstrated, this low-cost and easy-to-implement strategy could have real potential in mental health counselling and wellness support. The team is already looking at next steps—testing different journaling formats, evaluating long-term effects, and exploring the impact on different populations.
Dr. Grieder brings her background in neuroscience and education to this project, blending rigorous research with practical mental health solutions. And thanks to a strong partnership with Canadian Family Health Counselling, this project has already made a meaningful difference for its participants.
This project was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) through Fleming College’s iGRO (Internal Grants for Research Opportunities) program.
Fleming's Office of Applied Research & Innovation
Want to learn more about how applied research at Fleming is shaping real-world solutions? Follow the Office of Applied Research & Innovation on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Protecting Birds on Fleming's Frost Campus
Bird-window collisions pose a serious conservation challenge, but applied research at Fleming College’s Frost Campus is proving that small, science-backed interventions can have a big impact.
In 2022, Professor Thom Luloff received funding through Fleming College’s internal research grant program, iGRO, to assess the effectiveness of window markers in reducing bird strikes on campus. Partnering with Feather Friendly®, North America’s leading manufacturer of bird-safe window markers, the project installed their product at Auk’s Lodge, making it the first certified bird-friendly building in the Kawartha Lakes region.
Students played a key role in the research, monitoring window strikes during peak migration seasons. In 449 person-hours of research involving 93 students, not a single bird strike was recorded on treated windows. However, collisions continued on untreated surfaces, reinforcing the need for broader implementation.
This work didn’t go unnoticed—it contributed to the City of Kawartha Lakes earning Bird Friendly City certification in 2024, and student researchers were named Environmental Heroes for their efforts.
What’s next? A new funding proposal has been submitted to a federal granting agency to expand monitoring efforts beyond the campus, with a decision expected in spring 2025.
Have a challenge that needs solving? Let’s tackle it together. Applied research at Fleming helps businesses and organizations access faculty expertise, research funding, and industry partnerships to drive innovation and impact.
Contact us at appliedresearch@flemingcollege.ca to explore what’s possible.
Fleming College launches bee hotel research to support pollinators in Kawartha Lakes
Lindsay, ON – (May 28, 2025) – New bee hotels installed by Fleming College are creating buzz in Lindsay as part of a research initiative to understand how to better protect native pollinators.
Bee hotels—cavities in wood and tube structures used for nesting—have been installed in the pollinator gardens at Fleming’s Frost Campus over the past three years. These structures are not hives; rather, they offer nesting spaces for solitary native bees, which play a vital role in pollinating gardens, crops, and fruit trees.
Launched in partnership with Pollinator Partnership Canada and the City of Kawartha Lakes Environmental Advisory Committee, the project explores whether these artificial habitats have a net-positive impact on native bees. Three bee hotel designs are being tested across several site types, including public parks, community food gardens, and pollinator gardens.
Fleming College professor and project lead Erin McGauley notes that while bee hotels are often viewed as a feel-good environmental initiative, the research team is taking a closer look to better understand their true impact, specifically, whether they help or harm native bees. The project has been made possible through generous funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Student researchers will evaluate the use and occupancy of the bee hotels and characterize the sites based on their floral resources. They will also monitor for common predators and parasites like ants, spiders, pollen mites, and chalkbrood. Few studies have empirically assessed the risks and benefits of bee hotels, especially in urban settings.
Native bees are essential pollinators and are generally docile, not aggressive or prone to stinging. Yet many species are under threat, including bumblebees; one in four of which is now listed as a species at risk in Ontario.
Fleming students play a central role in the work. Student research assistants helped build and will monitor the bee hotels. Students also developed field protocols and will identify bees using apps such as iNaturalist. A technologist will provide support over the summer, and students from several academic courses will contribute to or learn from the project throughout the year.
Research findings will be shared with project partners and the wider public through a final report, infographics and outreach events, including Pollinator Week in June and the Monarch Festival in September. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for the bee hotels at Frost Campus and other local green spaces.
About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 85 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 80,000 alumni.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Elise Moore
Communications Officer
Elise.moore@flemingcollege.ca
Find us online:
Web: flemingcollege.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/flemingcollege
X: @FlemingCollege
Instagram: @flemingcollege
TikTok: @flemingcollege
Post-secondary schools, conservation authority to nurture future sustainability leaders
Fleming College is proud to be a member of the Earth District and to support this new MOU with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). Read on for the Earth District’s full media release.
May 2, 2025 – The next generation of sustainability leaders will benefit from a newly established partnership between a consortium of post-secondary institutions known as the Earth District and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). The Earth District and TRCA on May 2 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will provide for collaboration opportunities such as guest lectures by TRCA experts, joint research and student internships.
Earth District brings an education lens to the collaboration as it is a consortium of five Ontario post-secondary institutions, including Centennial College, Fleming College, Ontario Tech University, Trent University, and University of Toronto Scarborough. TRCA contributes its longstanding history and commitment to conservation, restoration, and responsible management of Ontario’s water, land, and natural habitats.
In addition to nurturing the next generation of leaders who will drive sustainability across various sectors, the collaboration focuses on leveraging innovative technologies to develop clean, green, and thriving communities within the GTA and beyond.
The MOU will enhance environmental protection and sustainability efforts by pledging the partners to:
- Cooperate concerning student internships and experiential learning opportunities from one or more of the Earth District Collaborators;
- Share opportunities for using TRCA experts and expertise in climate resilience solutions, for instance, conservation-related lectures in courses and assisting students’ committees in their technical challenges;
- Jointly engage with applicable stakeholders where beneficial to the Parties, including collaboration related to curriculum and programming, joint research, and potential grants;
- Provide opportunities to implement restoration, low impact development, and corporate sustainability projects;
- Utilize TRCA or Earth District member sites for aligned activities, such as research or programming.
The impact of the partnership was on display following the MOU signing, with Earth District and TRCA Partners in Project Green collaborating on the Decarbonizing Buildings: What is Holding Us Back? event. The event brought together academic and industry leaders and innovators to tackle the biggest challenges in building decarbonization.
Quotes
Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
“I want to congratulate TRCA and Earth District colleges and universities on this exciting partnership that will help drive the adoption of cleantech and sustainable solutions as well as other innovations to protect our environment. By bringing together the resources and expertise of the TRCA with the young environmental leaders of tomorrow, initiatives like this one are helping to build stronger, more sustainable communities for future generations.”
Dr. Craig Stephenson, President and CEO of Centennial College
“Signing an MOU with the TRCA, a leader in conserving, restoring and managing natural resources, not only creates a whole host of new learning, applied research and work opportunities for our students, it also strengthens the Earth District’s own efforts to shape resilient, inclusive, and intelligent urban ecosystems. Together, Earth District and the TRCA will go well beyond the teaching of sustainability — to living it, building it, and, ultimately, making it a central pillar of the communities we call home.”
John MacKenzie, Chief Executive Officer, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
“TRCA is thrilled to enter this MOU with Earth District partners. This partnership leverages the complementary expertise of each of our organizations, and will help move forward our shared commitment to training the next generation of environmental professionals and accelerating the adoption of clean and sustainble technologies.”
About Earth District
The Environmental and Related Technologies Hub (Earth) District, established in 2021, is a consortium comprising five Ontario post-secondary institutions: Centennial College, Fleming College, Ontario Tech University, Trent University, and University of Toronto Scarborough. Earth District’s goal is to fuel sustainable, resilient communities locally and around the world. By spanning its reach from the eastern Greater Toronto Area to Peterborough and the Kawarthas, Earth District will develop the region's sustainable technology sector through research, academic programming and commercialization of advanced technology. An Earth-commissioned study projects the District to generate $8.4 billion in total direct cumulative output, $1 billion in taxes and more than 4,000 jobs over the next two decades*. For more information, please visit www.earthdistrict.ca.
*Data drawn from an Earth-commissioned study conducted by Stiletto Consulting in 2020.
About Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Since 1957, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), as enabled through the provincial Conservation Authorities Act, has taken action to enhance our region’s natural environment and protect our land, water and communities from the impacts of flooding and increasingly extreme weather events — Ontario’s leading cause of public emergencies. As the region’s first line of defence against natural hazards, TRCA maintains vital infrastructure and provides programs and services that promote public health and safety, protecting people and property. TRCA mobilizes a science-based approach to provide sound policy advice, leveraging its position as a not-for-profit operating in the broader public sector to achieve collective impacts within our communities and across all levels of government. For more information, please visit https://trca.ca/.
Media Contacts
Earth District
Michelle Ervin, Centennial College
Media Relations Manager
MErvin@centennialcollege.ca
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
Afiya Jilani
Specialist, Communication and Media Relations
Communications, Marketing and Events
Afiya.Jilani@trca.ca
Fleming College’s 2025 Applied Research Expo highlighted innovation and collaboration
Lindsay, ON (March 5, 2025)—The 2025 Applied Research Expo at Fleming College’s Frost Campus in Lindsay brought together students, faculty, researchers, industry leaders, and community members from across Canada for a day of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing.
With over 150 registrants, attendees explored cutting-edge research, connected with local innovators, and took part in dynamic discussions on the future of applied research.
The event included research updates from Fleming’s Office of Applied Research and Innovation (OARI), which highlighted key milestones, including $3.5 million in newly awarded research funding since April 2024. A panel discussion featuring industry leaders RJ Taylor (Cedar Crest Trout Farms), Michael Deloyer (Horizon Aircraft), and Eric Morris (AUG Signals), explored how collaboration drives innovation.
Faculty presented applied research projects, emphasizing student contributions and industry collaborations. Guided tours of Fleming’s Centre for Innovative Aquaculture Production (CIAP) and the Centre for Advancement of Water and Wastewater Technologies (CAWT) gave attendees a firsthand look at groundbreaking research in action. At the Centre for Applied Machine Intelligence and Integration Technologies (CAMIIT) exhibit, guests interacted with cutting-edge robotics, including a robotic arm and a robot dog, showcasing advancements in automation and AI. External innovative organizations and poster displays offered additional opportunities for guests to explore applied research and collaboration opportunities.
Frost Campus, known for its environmental programs, provided the ideal backdrop for showcasing the applied research taking place at Fleming, reinforcing the connection between innovation, sustainability, and hands-on learning.
The Applied Research Expo was a testament to Fleming’s commitment to driving meaningful research with real-world impact. By fostering collaboration between students, faculty, and industry partners, the event showcased how applied research transforms ideas into solutions. Thank you to all our presenters, industry partners, and attendees for making this year’s event a success.
About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 80,000 alumni.
For more information, please contact:
Juliette Arsenault
Research Outreach & Communications Coordinator—Office of Applied Research & Innovation
juliette.arsenault@flemingcollege.ca
Web: flemingcollege.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/flemingcollege
Twitter: @FlemingCollege
Instagram: @flemingcollege
TikTok: @flemingcollege
A Little Gratitude Goes a Long Way: Studying the Science of Gratefulness at Fleming College
What if something as simple as writing down three things you're grateful for each day could improve your mood, increase your motivation, and make daily life feel more meaningful?
Dr. Taryn Grieder set out to answer that very question.
A faculty member in Fleming College’s School of General Arts and Sciences, Dr. Grieder partnered with Kim Sargent, Director of Canadian Family Health Counselling, to explore the benefits of daily gratitude journaling—both in college students and health counselling clients.
Over four weeks, 67 participants completed a daily gratitude journaling exercise, writing down at least three specific things they were grateful for. It could be as small as a hot cup of coffee, a walk in the sunshine, or an unexpected kind word. Participants completed a Mental Health Quality of Life (MHQoL) questionnaire before and after the journaling period, measuring factors such as mood, optimism, relationships, and engagement in daily activities.
The results? Participants reported increased optimism, improved self-image, better emotional stability, and greater satisfaction with their daily activities. Many noticed a shift in how they experienced everyday moments—seeing more good, even during challenging times.
One participant shared, “This was life-changing! I now find myself looking for and noticing the good things to add to my journal… Instead of having a negative outlook, it’s changed to positive and optimistic.”
As the project demonstrated, this low-cost and easy-to-implement strategy could have real potential in mental health counselling and wellness support. The team is already looking at next steps—testing different journaling formats, evaluating long-term effects, and exploring the impact on different populations.
Dr. Grieder brings her background in neuroscience and education to this project, blending rigorous research with practical mental health solutions. And thanks to a strong partnership with Canadian Family Health Counselling, this project has already made a meaningful difference for its participants.
This project was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) through Fleming College’s iGRO (Internal Grants for Research Opportunities) program.
Fleming's Office of Applied Research & Innovation
Want to learn more about how applied research at Fleming is shaping real-world solutions? Follow the Office of Applied Research & Innovation on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Protecting Birds on Fleming's Frost Campus
Bird-window collisions pose a serious conservation challenge, but applied research at Fleming College’s Frost Campus is proving that small, science-backed interventions can have a big impact.
In 2022, Professor Thom Luloff received funding through Fleming College’s internal research grant program, iGRO, to assess the effectiveness of window markers in reducing bird strikes on campus. Partnering with Feather Friendly®, North America’s leading manufacturer of bird-safe window markers, the project installed their product at Auk’s Lodge, making it the first certified bird-friendly building in the Kawartha Lakes region.
Students played a key role in the research, monitoring window strikes during peak migration seasons. In 449 person-hours of research involving 93 students, not a single bird strike was recorded on treated windows. However, collisions continued on untreated surfaces, reinforcing the need for broader implementation.
This work didn’t go unnoticed—it contributed to the City of Kawartha Lakes earning Bird Friendly City certification in 2024, and student researchers were named Environmental Heroes for their efforts.
What’s next? A new funding proposal has been submitted to a federal granting agency to expand monitoring efforts beyond the campus, with a decision expected in spring 2025.
Have a challenge that needs solving? Let’s tackle it together. Applied research at Fleming helps businesses and organizations access faculty expertise, research funding, and industry partnerships to drive innovation and impact.
Contact us at appliedresearch@flemingcollege.ca to explore what’s possible.
Fleming College launches bee hotel research to support pollinators in Kawartha Lakes
Lindsay, ON – (May 28, 2025) – New bee hotels installed by Fleming College are creating buzz in Lindsay as part of a research initiative to understand how to better protect native pollinators.
Bee hotels—cavities in wood and tube structures used for nesting—have been installed in the pollinator gardens at Fleming’s Frost Campus over the past three years. These structures are not hives; rather, they offer nesting spaces for solitary native bees, which play a vital role in pollinating gardens, crops, and fruit trees.
Launched in partnership with Pollinator Partnership Canada and the City of Kawartha Lakes Environmental Advisory Committee, the project explores whether these artificial habitats have a net-positive impact on native bees. Three bee hotel designs are being tested across several site types, including public parks, community food gardens, and pollinator gardens.
Fleming College professor and project lead Erin McGauley notes that while bee hotels are often viewed as a feel-good environmental initiative, the research team is taking a closer look to better understand their true impact, specifically, whether they help or harm native bees. The project has been made possible through generous funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Student researchers will evaluate the use and occupancy of the bee hotels and characterize the sites based on their floral resources. They will also monitor for common predators and parasites like ants, spiders, pollen mites, and chalkbrood. Few studies have empirically assessed the risks and benefits of bee hotels, especially in urban settings.
Native bees are essential pollinators and are generally docile, not aggressive or prone to stinging. Yet many species are under threat, including bumblebees; one in four of which is now listed as a species at risk in Ontario.
Fleming students play a central role in the work. Student research assistants helped build and will monitor the bee hotels. Students also developed field protocols and will identify bees using apps such as iNaturalist. A technologist will provide support over the summer, and students from several academic courses will contribute to or learn from the project throughout the year.
Research findings will be shared with project partners and the wider public through a final report, infographics and outreach events, including Pollinator Week in June and the Monarch Festival in September. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for the bee hotels at Frost Campus and other local green spaces.
About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 85 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 80,000 alumni.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Elise Moore
Communications Officer
Elise.moore@flemingcollege.ca
Find us online:
Web: flemingcollege.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/flemingcollege
X: @FlemingCollege
Instagram: @flemingcollege
TikTok: @flemingcollege
Post-secondary schools, conservation authority to nurture future sustainability leaders
Fleming College is proud to be a member of the Earth District and to support this new MOU with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). Read on for the Earth District’s full media release.
May 2, 2025 – The next generation of sustainability leaders will benefit from a newly established partnership between a consortium of post-secondary institutions known as the Earth District and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). The Earth District and TRCA on May 2 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will provide for collaboration opportunities such as guest lectures by TRCA experts, joint research and student internships.
Earth District brings an education lens to the collaboration as it is a consortium of five Ontario post-secondary institutions, including Centennial College, Fleming College, Ontario Tech University, Trent University, and University of Toronto Scarborough. TRCA contributes its longstanding history and commitment to conservation, restoration, and responsible management of Ontario’s water, land, and natural habitats.
In addition to nurturing the next generation of leaders who will drive sustainability across various sectors, the collaboration focuses on leveraging innovative technologies to develop clean, green, and thriving communities within the GTA and beyond.
The MOU will enhance environmental protection and sustainability efforts by pledging the partners to:
- Cooperate concerning student internships and experiential learning opportunities from one or more of the Earth District Collaborators;
- Share opportunities for using TRCA experts and expertise in climate resilience solutions, for instance, conservation-related lectures in courses and assisting students’ committees in their technical challenges;
- Jointly engage with applicable stakeholders where beneficial to the Parties, including collaboration related to curriculum and programming, joint research, and potential grants;
- Provide opportunities to implement restoration, low impact development, and corporate sustainability projects;
- Utilize TRCA or Earth District member sites for aligned activities, such as research or programming.
The impact of the partnership was on display following the MOU signing, with Earth District and TRCA Partners in Project Green collaborating on the Decarbonizing Buildings: What is Holding Us Back? event. The event brought together academic and industry leaders and innovators to tackle the biggest challenges in building decarbonization.
Quotes
Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
“I want to congratulate TRCA and Earth District colleges and universities on this exciting partnership that will help drive the adoption of cleantech and sustainable solutions as well as other innovations to protect our environment. By bringing together the resources and expertise of the TRCA with the young environmental leaders of tomorrow, initiatives like this one are helping to build stronger, more sustainable communities for future generations.”
Dr. Craig Stephenson, President and CEO of Centennial College
“Signing an MOU with the TRCA, a leader in conserving, restoring and managing natural resources, not only creates a whole host of new learning, applied research and work opportunities for our students, it also strengthens the Earth District’s own efforts to shape resilient, inclusive, and intelligent urban ecosystems. Together, Earth District and the TRCA will go well beyond the teaching of sustainability — to living it, building it, and, ultimately, making it a central pillar of the communities we call home.”
John MacKenzie, Chief Executive Officer, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
“TRCA is thrilled to enter this MOU with Earth District partners. This partnership leverages the complementary expertise of each of our organizations, and will help move forward our shared commitment to training the next generation of environmental professionals and accelerating the adoption of clean and sustainble technologies.”
About Earth District
The Environmental and Related Technologies Hub (Earth) District, established in 2021, is a consortium comprising five Ontario post-secondary institutions: Centennial College, Fleming College, Ontario Tech University, Trent University, and University of Toronto Scarborough. Earth District’s goal is to fuel sustainable, resilient communities locally and around the world. By spanning its reach from the eastern Greater Toronto Area to Peterborough and the Kawarthas, Earth District will develop the region's sustainable technology sector through research, academic programming and commercialization of advanced technology. An Earth-commissioned study projects the District to generate $8.4 billion in total direct cumulative output, $1 billion in taxes and more than 4,000 jobs over the next two decades*. For more information, please visit www.earthdistrict.ca.
*Data drawn from an Earth-commissioned study conducted by Stiletto Consulting in 2020.
About Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Since 1957, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), as enabled through the provincial Conservation Authorities Act, has taken action to enhance our region’s natural environment and protect our land, water and communities from the impacts of flooding and increasingly extreme weather events — Ontario’s leading cause of public emergencies. As the region’s first line of defence against natural hazards, TRCA maintains vital infrastructure and provides programs and services that promote public health and safety, protecting people and property. TRCA mobilizes a science-based approach to provide sound policy advice, leveraging its position as a not-for-profit operating in the broader public sector to achieve collective impacts within our communities and across all levels of government. For more information, please visit https://trca.ca/.
Media Contacts
Earth District
Michelle Ervin, Centennial College
Media Relations Manager
MErvin@centennialcollege.ca
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
Afiya Jilani
Specialist, Communication and Media Relations
Communications, Marketing and Events
Afiya.Jilani@trca.ca
Fleming College’s 2025 Applied Research Expo highlighted innovation and collaboration
Lindsay, ON (March 5, 2025)—The 2025 Applied Research Expo at Fleming College’s Frost Campus in Lindsay brought together students, faculty, researchers, industry leaders, and community members from across Canada for a day of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing.
With over 150 registrants, attendees explored cutting-edge research, connected with local innovators, and took part in dynamic discussions on the future of applied research.
The event included research updates from Fleming’s Office of Applied Research and Innovation (OARI), which highlighted key milestones, including $3.5 million in newly awarded research funding since April 2024. A panel discussion featuring industry leaders RJ Taylor (Cedar Crest Trout Farms), Michael Deloyer (Horizon Aircraft), and Eric Morris (AUG Signals), explored how collaboration drives innovation.
Faculty presented applied research projects, emphasizing student contributions and industry collaborations. Guided tours of Fleming’s Centre for Innovative Aquaculture Production (CIAP) and the Centre for Advancement of Water and Wastewater Technologies (CAWT) gave attendees a firsthand look at groundbreaking research in action. At the Centre for Applied Machine Intelligence and Integration Technologies (CAMIIT) exhibit, guests interacted with cutting-edge robotics, including a robotic arm and a robot dog, showcasing advancements in automation and AI. External innovative organizations and poster displays offered additional opportunities for guests to explore applied research and collaboration opportunities.
Frost Campus, known for its environmental programs, provided the ideal backdrop for showcasing the applied research taking place at Fleming, reinforcing the connection between innovation, sustainability, and hands-on learning.
The Applied Research Expo was a testament to Fleming’s commitment to driving meaningful research with real-world impact. By fostering collaboration between students, faculty, and industry partners, the event showcased how applied research transforms ideas into solutions. Thank you to all our presenters, industry partners, and attendees for making this year’s event a success.
About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 80,000 alumni.
For more information, please contact:
Juliette Arsenault
Research Outreach & Communications Coordinator—Office of Applied Research & Innovation
juliette.arsenault@flemingcollege.ca
Web: flemingcollege.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/flemingcollege
Twitter: @FlemingCollege
Instagram: @flemingcollege
TikTok: @flemingcollege